July 3, 2009. Posted by Becca Pulliam.

As the Programming Coordinator for the FIJM since 2000, Johanne starts with the visions of the Artistic Director and others and contributes her own deep, detailed knowledge of musicians worldwide, then -- over many months -- works her magic to create more than 120 ticketed events, filling almost a dozen halls from the smallest to Symphony Hall for twelve days running. Until this year, Johanne tracked her progress with colored post-its affixed in boxes on a grid on her office wall, but this year she advanced to a spreadsheet on a screen. Technology has not damped her fabulous personal style. She books artists from around the planet into spaces that are ideal for them, on the days when they can come, with a minimum of bunch-ups and conflicts and a maximum of creativity. Johanne says it's like shopping -- start with a vision, find out what's available, fall in love with it and then put the pieces together into an outfit. Bravo, Johanne!

May 20, 2008. Posted by Joshua Jackson.

I was pleasantly surprised that this interview actually happened, but I know
all to well that persistence pays off in the long run. I say this because Al
Foster is famously dodgy about giving interviews to press. Probably because
everyone in the world wants to know about Al's relationship with Miles Davis.
Sure, he played with Miles for more than a decade, and was a dear friend, even
during Davis' self-imposed exile from the music scene in the late 1970s. Get
beyond that, and you realize that Al Foster has had an extraordinary musical
life. In this interview, Foster talks about growing up in Harlem, where he met
many of the legendary jazz musicians who shaped his career. And Miles too.
But did you know that Al Foster raised four daughters as a single father? One
more reason this guy deserves a medal. At the end of it all, you start to realize
why so many people regard Al Foster as one of the great messengers of our music.
-Josh

The Al Foster Quartet plays the Village Vanguard this week. You can hear them
live on WBGO, tomorrow night at 9. I'll be your host. Stay tuned.

Long before the digital era and its master manipulators - Brian Eno, J Dilla et al - producer Teo Macero was splicing analog reels from various Miles Davis sessions, creating the sonic tapestry of Miles' early electric style. The saxophonist, composer, and master of the razor blade will be remembered at a memorial service this Sunday, May 18 at NYU’s Loewe Theatre, 35 West 4th Street, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event is open to the public.

Macero spent his later years in semi-retirement, occasionally helping the NYU Jazz Program. He produced two CD’s with the NYU Jazz Orchestra featuring his original compositions. Special guest soloists will join the NYU Jazz Orchestra for the memorial.
-Josh